Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Governance & Experimental Social Science OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway

The Oslo Business School at Oslo Metropolitan University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Climate Governance and Experimental Social Science, as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project CAMELOT. The position is based within the Public Administration and Governance academic unit, focusing on organization, public policy, and leadership in the public sector. OsloMet offers a vibrant research environment with a strategic emphasis on sustainability, democracy, and expertise for an unpredictable world. The CAMELOT project investigates how individuals, institutions, and societies build capacities to anticipate and respond to long-term climate risks, emphasizing cognitive, emotional, and social foundations of governance capacities. The research integrates theoretical development with innovative empirical work, drawing from climate governance, political science, futures, and sustainability research.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in the project, primarily responsible for developing and implementing a large-scale experimental study across multiple European countries. The research examines how various forms of climate communication and public engagement influence risk perception, future imagination, and agency. The project systematically compares analytical, information-based, narrative, and participatory engagement formats to understand mechanisms of future-oriented thinking. The study includes both online and in-person components, generating quantitative and qualitative data.

Main responsibilities include co-leading the design, coordination, and implementation of a multi-country experimental study, managing complex data collection processes, developing experimental materials with partners and experts, conducting advanced quantitative analysis (using R or equivalent), contributing to qualitative data collection and analysis, leading and co-authoring academic publications, and contributing to the theoretical framework on governance capacities. The position offers intellectual ownership within a collaborative structure and expects residence in Oslo, Norway, with work at the Pilestredet campus.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (political science, environmental psychology, sociology, human geography, sustainability science, communication, or related fields), with the dissertation submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment is contingent on approval of the dissertation and public defense. Required qualifications include expertise in experimental and/or survey-based research design, excellent quantitative analysis skills, publication record in peer-reviewed journals, teamwork ability, willingness to engage in practical and organizational aspects of large-scale research, and proficiency in English. Advantageous qualifications include experience with large-scale or multi-site data collection, familiarity with climate change, environmental governance, or sustainability, collaborative research experience, interest in science communication and public engagement, and interdisciplinary research experience.

The position is funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, offering a salary of 584,500–745,000 NOK per year (with 2% pension deduction), for three years with the possibility of a fourth year. Additional benefits include loan and pension schemes with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, professional development opportunities, collaboration with an international network, and a supportive, inclusive workplace in central Oslo.

To apply, candidates must submit their application electronically via the recruitment system, uploading an application letter, CV, academic certificates, publication list, up to three academic works (with co-authorship declarations), and contact information for 2–3 referees. Documents must be in a Scandinavian language or English, with authorized translations if necessary. Only complete applications submitted through the system will be considered. Background checks may be conducted with candidate consent. For further information, contact Head of Project Manjana Milkoreit ([email protected]) or Head of Section Siri Borlaug ([email protected]).